THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

PATH WANTS TO HEAR FROM RIDERS LIKE YOU!

Agency initiates two public outreach programs: PATH Riders' Council and PATH Education Series will garner feedback from riders and improve customer service

Seeking to enhance public outreach and improve customer service, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) railroad is encouraging public participation in the system's transportation planning process through a new PATH Riders' Council and a revamped PATH Education Series.

The new PATH Riders' Council (PRC) will promote inclusive public participation through a standing advisory group of members representing the diversity of PATH customers to give riders a voice in system designs and operational decision-making.

The new council model is based on industry best practices and will strive to select candidates within the service area that represent a cross section of riders from different geographic locations and demographics. PATH will report on PRC requirements in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which "prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal assistance."

"PATH remains committed to providing our customers with safe, efficient trans-Hudson transit service," said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. "By allowing the public a voice in PATH's operations, we can enhance the customer experience and make sure the system serves people's needs."

"The input of PATH riders serves as a foundation in building PATH's services for our customers," said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Deb Gramiccioni. "The adoption of these two public outreach programs will help the agency work aggressively to deliver the best in safety, security and service to our customers."

PATH is seeking ordinary riders to join the council. Members must reside or live within the PATH service area and use the system regularly, be at least 18 years old at the time of application and may not be a PANYNJ/PATH employee or contractor.

The PRC initially will operate under a one-year pilot program; following the pilot program, PRC membership is expected to be limited to one two-year term. The council will meet six times a year under the one-year pilot period, which will include a focus on providing formal recommendations on the new council's structure and function.

The PRC will work closely with designated PATH staff to review timely issues and provide suggestions on operations, service, and fare level changes that have a direct impact on PATH riders. The advisory council also will assist PATH in channeling information to organizations, communities and customers, while assisting in garnering input from PATH riders to identify their needs and concerns.

All applications must be received by 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20. There are two ways to apply:

"The Port Authority considers PATH a part of the communities it serves," said Stephen Kingsberry, PATH's director and general manager. "PATH strives to be a good neighbor to our friends—PATH riders, local residents, and elected officials – in both New York and New Jersey."

PATH's other program, the new Public Education Series (PES), will consist of one-time lectures and presentations on key topics four times a year, evenings at 6:30 p.m. The first session will be in June 2014 by PATH Deputy Director Mike Marino, who will discuss post-Superstorm Sandy recovery and resiliency initiatives. Date, time, and place is to be determined.

Enrollment for these sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to registrants who have never participated in a PES. To register, visit www.panynj.gov/path.pes

Visit www.panynj.gov/path to learn more about the Port Authority Trans-Hudson's public outreach and customer services initiatives and programs.

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where construction crews are building the iconic One World Trade Center, which is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the State of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, please visit http://www.panynj.gov.